Jason McAteer has been selected to captain the Republic of Ireland squad which will take on Finland in Helsinki this coming Wednesday. It will be McAteers 50th cap, and what a way to mark the occasion, surely McAteer will relish the chance.
Thomas Butler has also received a late call up, and the Sunderland left/right sided midfielder was only commenting this morning that he has prioritised breaking into the Irish team at senior level this season. The Ballymun born Republic of Ireland U21 will make his debut at Senior international level, which has to be said is a direct reflection of Butlers hard work and determination for Sunderland at the end of last season, and the preparations during the beginning of this new season.
Phil Babb was favourite to receive a call up, after experiencing a two year plus spell, in the outcast of the International scene. Babb's last cap was against South Africa, New Jersey, 11/6/00, but the Sunderland defender has injured his back and will not make the trip to Helsinki. The Team is departing for Helsinki today, leaving no fewer than eight of the original selected players behind with injuries,
Revised Team
Given (Newcastle), Kiely (Charlton), Colgan (Hibernians), Kelly (Leeds United), Harte (Leeds United), Cunningham (Birmingham), Breen (West Ham United), Doherty (Tottenham Hotspur), Delap (Southampton), McAteer (Sunderland), Butler (Sunderland), Carsley (Everton), Kinsella (Charlton), Holland (Ipswich), McPhail (Leeds United), Healy (Celtic), Kilbane (Sunderland), Keane (Leeds United), Damien Duff (Blackburn Rovers).
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